The terms "counselling" and "psychological therapy"
are often used
interchangeably
to describe
talking
therapies, but
there are some
key
differences in
theory and
practice.
Counselling is
more suitable
for people
with
non-clinical
problems,
whilst
psychological
therapy is
recommended
for people
with clinical
conditions.

Counselling
Counselling is
a talking
therapy for people
who do not
have mental
health
problems, but may be
faced with
specific life
stresses,
difficult
dilemmas,
crises in
their lives,
relationship
problems, or
may wish to
develop better
ways of
living. There is emphasis on mental health promotion rather than
'treating
disorders'. Counselling emphasise the
individual's
resources
rather than
psychopathology,
with a focus
on a
reflective,
experiential
process.
Here the
individual's
concerns are
rephrased and
clarified in
order that he
or she may
develop a
greater sense
of well being
and cope with
life
difficulties
differently.
In counselling, Dr Loumidis offers a regular time and
space to talk
about your
distress and
explore
difficult
feelings, in a
professional
setting, free
from intrusion
and strictly
confidentially.

Non-clinical
areas for
counselling
include

Personal
development
& wellness

Restoring
self esteem

Developing
self
confidence

Growing
after
bereavement
and loss

Improving
marital and
personal
relationships

Coping
with life
difficulties
and dilemmas

Positive
thinking

Improving
performance
& growth

Exploring
new directions
in life

Improving
communication
skills

Career
and lifestyle
planning

Enhancing
interpersonal
and social
skills

Developing
assertiveness
and social
skills

Individually
tailored
agendas

Psychological
TherapyPsychological therapies(or
psychotherapies)
are also
talking
therapies,
which are
recommended
for the
treatment of
people with
mental
disorders
(such as
clinical
anxiety,
depression,
PTSD, etc) and
behavioural
disturbances
(such as
aggression,
impulsivity,
substance
misuse, etc).
People tend to
expect advise
and guidance
on how to
change. In
therapy,
through the
application of
psychological
theories
and
therapeutic
techniques,
people are
helped to
increase
insight and
understanding,
alter
maladaptive
patterns of
coping,
relieve
emotional
disturbance,
develop
personality
growth and
learn ways to
reduce the
likelihood of
relapse.
Dr Loumidis
often combines
elements from
a range of
psychological
therapies,
tailored to
the
individual's
circumstances
and needs.